American agriculture, like all industrial sectors of the U. S., is facing severe tests from foreign competitors. The issues surrounding the endangerment of these most vital industries must be examined closely and dealt with effectively by all parties involved, including government and business alike.

We have experienced a tremendous upswing in the amount of foreign goods entering this country as well as a significant reduction in export markets open to American products. This has led to huge inequities in the balance of trade and a record U.S. deficit in 1985.

Some have labeled these last few years as the era of American de-industrialization. The evidence for such an argument gains credibility when we see the American economy surging upward on gains made in the so-called "service sector." The American economy as moved surprisingly forward in the face of a depression in the industrial sector. The question remains, how long can the U.S. sustain economic stability without having a strong industrial plant?

The flood of imports and the closing of export markets are symptoms of ill-conceived American economic policy. These policies have led to an immensely overvalued American dollar. The foreign competitor has responded to the stimulus provided by these policies.

Along with the stimulus provided by U.S. economic policies, many foreign producers of goods have gained substantial subsidies and incentives from their governments. These supports are wide-ranged and do affect American industry when competing in a world market. These two aspects--American economic policy and foreign supports--formulate the issues that American policy makers must deal with.